People Australia

  • searches all National Centre of Biography websites
  • searches all National Centre of Biography websites
  • searches all National Centre of Biography websites

Browse Lists:

Cultural Advice

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people should be aware that this website contains names, images, and voices of deceased persons.

In addition, some articles contain terms or views that were acceptable within mainstream Australian culture in the period in which they were written, but may no longer be considered appropriate.

These articles do not necessarily reflect the views of The Australian National University.

Older articles are being reviewed with a view to bringing them into line with contemporary values but the original text will remain available for historical context.

Angus Sutherland Allen (1896–1918)

Angus Sutherland Allen, n.d. photographer unknown

Angus Sutherland Allen, n.d. photographer unknown

from Bank of NSW Roll of Honour

Angus Sutherland Allen, the son of Mr. and Mrs. V. F. Allen, was born at Moruya on 21st April, 1896. He was educated at Petersham S. P. School, and entered the service of the Bank at the Haymarket Branch on 24th October, 1913.

Three weeks after the outbreak of war he enlisted at Randwick, N.S.W., and embarked with the first convoy on 19th October, 1914. He took part in the landing at Gallipoli; and remained on the Peninsula throughout the campaign, returning to Egypt in December, 1915, as a lance-corporal. After a fortnight at the school of instruction at Tel-el-Kebir he rejoined his battalion for embarkation to France, and received his corporal’s stripes in May, 1916. Three months later he was gazetted 2nd-lieutenant, and lieutenant early in 1917. In July he proceeded to England and spent the rest of the year with the 1st Training Battalion, and at various schools in instruction, qualifying as “instructor” at the Southern Command Gas School.

On 6th January, 1918, he rejoined his battalion in France, and in June took over command of his company in the Merris area and was appointed temporary captain. On 11th July he was severely wounded when in action in front of Merris, and died at Ebblinghem on 21st July.

Two months before his death Captain Allen had been awarded the Military Cross for brilliant services rendered to his battalion during the strenuous fighting in front of Meteren and Merris. The achievement which won him this distinction is described in the official report in the following terms:

“For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty in establishing an observation post. Though frequently subjected to heavy shell and machine-gun fire, he made constant reconnaissances, and never failed to keep his battalion well posted with information. He so successfully organized his snipers that at least twenty-five of the enemy were accounted for.”

Original Publication

Citation details

'Allen, Angus Sutherland (1896–1918)', People Australia, National Centre of Biography, Australian National University, https://peopleaustralia.anu.edu.au/biography/allen-angus-sutherland-19739/text31034, accessed 10 November 2024.

© Copyright People Australia, 2012

Angus Sutherland Allen, n.d. photographer unknown

Angus Sutherland Allen, n.d. photographer unknown

from Bank of NSW Roll of Honour

Life Summary [details]

Birth

21 April, 1896
Moruya, New South Wales, Australia

Death

21 July, 1918 (aged 22)
Ebblinghem, France

Cause of Death

killed in action

Cultural Heritage

Includes subject's nationality; their parents' nationality; the countries in which they spent a significant part of their childhood, and their self-identity.

Occupation or Descriptor
Military Service
Awards
Workplaces